What is the best time for a walking tour Bordeaux Right Bank?

The best time is during the golden hour, starting about 90 minutes before sunset. This allows you to see the left bank limestone buildings glow and catch the bridge illuminations as night falls.

Is the Right Bank of Bordeaux worth visiting?

Absolutely. It offers the best panoramic views of the historic city center, features modern architecture like the Chaban-Delmas bridge, and provides a much quieter, greener experience than the busy Left Bank.

Can I do this walk with a stroller or wheelchair?

Yes, this is one of the most accessible walks in Bordeaux. The quays are wide, flat, and paved, with no stairs required to complete the route from Pont de Pierre to the Chaban-Delmas bridge.

Are there places to eat along the Quai des Queyries?

Yes, there are several riverside cafes and restaurants near Place Stalingrad and the Darwin Ecosystem. Darwin is particularly famous for its organic food hall and casual dining options.

What landmarks can I see across the river?

From the Right Bank, you have a clear view of the Place de la Bourse, the Grosse Cloche, the Saint-André Cathedral spires, and the historic facade of the Quai Louis XVIII.

Is there a fee to enter the Jardin Botanique?

The outdoor botanical gardens and the pebble fields are free to explore. There is only a small fee if you wish to enter the permanent exhibition greenhouses or the gallery.

How do I get back to the Bordeaux city center from the end of the walk?

The easiest way is to walk across the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas to the 'Cité du Vin' tram stop (Line B). Alternatively, you can take the Bat3 river ferry for the price of a standard bus ticket.

The Right Bank Skyline: Golden Hour Views | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Discover the 'other' side of Bordeaux on this refreshing self-guided walk through the La Bastide neighborhood. While most visitors stay within the historic center, this walking route invites you across the Garonne River to experience the city’s most dramatic skyline views. As the sun begins to dip, the limestone facades of the left bank glow in a brilliant honey hue, providing the perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts. This neighborhood stroll captures the transformation of Bordeaux from an industrial port to a green, modern metropolis. Your journey begins at the iconic Pont de Pierre, the first bridge ever built to span the mighty Garonne. From here, you will leave the bustle of the city center behind and enter a district known for its botanical wonders and contemporary art. You will encounter the whimsical Blue Lion at Place Stalingrad before wandering through the Jardin Botanique, a masterpiece of modern landscape design that contrasts sharply with the city's older public gardens. As you follow the Quai des Queyries, you will find yourself in the Parc aux Angéliques, a lush riparian forest that offers a peaceful escape and the best vantage points for capturing the Place de la Bourse across the water. This walking tour Bordeaux provides is more than just a scenic path; it is an exploration of the city's lungs. The route concludes at the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas, a feat of modern engineering and the tallest vertical-lift bridge in Europe. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a repeat traveler, this self-guided adventure offers a unique perspective on how Bordeaux balances its maritime heritage with sustainable urban living. The wide, flat quays make this an effortless experience for all fitness levels, allowing you to focus entirely on the shifting colors of the sky and the architectural rhythm of the riverfront.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

Panoramic views of the UNESCO-listed left bank skyline
The 17-arched Pont de Pierre, commissioned by Napoleon
The contemporary Jardin Botanique de la Bastide
The giant Blue Lion sculpture at Place Stalingrad
A peaceful walk through the riverside Parc aux Angéliques
The engineering marvel of the Chaban-Delmas lift bridge

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Pont de Pierre

Start exploring with Zigway at the entrance of the city's oldest bridge. Completed in 1822, the Pont de Pierre was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte himself. Before its construction, crossing the Garonne required a ferry, which was often dangerous due to the river's strong currents. Look closely at the bridge's 17 arches; legend says they represent the 17 letters in the name 'Napoleon Bonaparte.' The bridge is constructed from a beautiful mix of red brick and white stone, materials that characterize much of the city's architecture. As you walk across, you transition from the historic 18th-century center to the evolving Right Bank, with the river's tidal flow swirling beneath you.

2

Place Stalingrad

Arriving on the Right Bank, you are greeted by one of Bordeaux’s most recognizable modern landmarks: the Lion de Bordeaux. This oversized, light-blue sculpture by artist Xavier Veilhan serves as a whimsical guardian of the La Bastide district. Place Stalingrad acts as the gateway to this neighborhood, which was once a separate town primarily occupied by industry and railway workers. Today, it is a vibrant hub connected by the tram system. Take a moment to observe the contrast between the old stone buildings surrounding the square and the bold, contemporary art that signals the area's modern revitalization.

3

Jardin Botanique (Right Bank)

Step into the Jardin Botanique de la Bastide, a stark contrast to the traditional English-style gardens found across the river. Opened in 2003, this garden is designed to showcase the diverse landscapes of the Aquitaine Basin. You will find sections dedicated to dunes, limestone cliffs, and wetlands, all arranged in a striking linear fashion. The garden isn't just for show; it is a center for scientific research and environmental education. Notice the use of sustainable materials and the way the water features reflect the sky, offering a serene atmosphere that feels worlds away from the urban center.

4

Quai des Queyries Viewpoint

Continue your neighborhood stroll along the riverbank to reach the Quai des Queyries. This is arguably the best spot in the city for photography. From this vantage point, the entire 'Port of the Moon'—the crescent-shaped curve of the Garonne—unfolds before you. Directly across the water, the Place de la Bourse and its famous Water Mirror create a symmetrical masterpiece. During the golden hour, the sun sets behind the city's spires, silhouetting the left bank against a canvas of orange and pink. It is the perfect place to pause and appreciate the scale and beauty of Bordeaux's 18th-century urban planning from a distance.

5

Parc aux Angéliques

As you walk further north, you enter the Parc aux Angéliques. This long, narrow park stretches along the river, acting as a green lung for the city. It is named after the 'Angelica heterocarpa,' a rare plant that grows along the estuary. The park was designed to be a semi-wild space, with thousands of trees including oaks, maples, and willows. It is a favorite spot for locals to jog, cycle, or enjoy a picnic. The path here is lined with benches, allowing you to enjoy the riverside breeze and watch the river cruise ships navigate the tidal waters of the Garonne.

6

Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas

Your walk concludes at the base of the Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas. Named after a former mayor of Bordeaux, this bridge is a masterpiece of modern engineering. It is the tallest vertical-lift bridge in Europe, designed to allow massive cruise ships to pass through to the city center. The four towering pylons reach 77 meters into the sky. At night, the bridge is illuminated with LED lights that change color depending on the tide—blue for high tide and green for low tide. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore the nearby Darwin Ecosystem or cross back to the left bank via the Cité du Vin.

Start Free on iPhone

Start your private guided tour now

Explore “The Right Bank Skyline: Golden Hour Views” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

Start free on iPhone

Your Private Tour Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

The walking route is approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) long. If you walk at a steady pace with short stops for photos, it typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes.